It was created in 1966 for President Fidel Castro himself and was made at the then top secret, but now world famous, El LLaguito factory. At first, it was only seen outside Cuba as gifts for heads of state and visiting diplomats.

Since 1982 Cohiba has been available in limited quantities to the open market.

The name is an ancient Taino Indian word for the bunches of tobacco leaves that Columbus first saw being smoked by the original inhabitants of Cuba - the earliest known form of a Habano.

The leaves for Cohiba are the "selection of selection" from the 5 finest Vegas de Primera in San Juan y Martinez and San Luis districts of the Vuelta Abajo zone.

Uniquely amongst Habanos up to three of Cohiba's filler leaves , the seco, ligero and the rare medio tiempo, undergo an additional fermentation in barrels. This unique process produces a special aroma and flavour you will only find in Cohiba.

Tasting Notes

It is the smallest of the Cohiba cigars however one of the most delicious. The best cigar of this size, smooth, full taste with a hint of sharpness.

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86 / 100

"...Thin and solidly packed, this small cigar imparts some toasty, leathery notes before leading into a short and overly simple finish..."

Rare Whisky Specialist

Reviews

Reviewed by Joe Gellman on 28th September 2002
It is time to start a few reviews on the Cohiba vitolas. In the past I have shied away from this brand because of a few personal prejudices. In addition, there are more "fake" Cohiba cigars on the world market than there are hairs on my head (not the best analogy).
The three standard smallest cigars produced in Cuba are the Laguito No. 3. Three are most familiar to smokers, the Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez Cigaritto, the Montecristo Joyita, and the Cohiba Panatela. Each are 115mm x 10.32mm, weigh 2.81gr. They all are presented in a varnished semi boite, though the Cohiba's presentation is the classiest, while the Flor de Rafael Gonzalez Marquez is the least impressive, and, perhaps rather ugly. The Cohiba is sold in 50's, 25's, and packs of 5.
This vitola presents a problem for the blender. With a ring of 26, it is difficult to get much oomph from the smoke. Of the three, the Cohiba meets the challenge. It was shaping up to be a blazing end-of-Summer, in Los Angeles. Temperatures hit the high 80's and 90's, for several weeks, while the days gave up shadows to a far away fall. It was time for late afternoon coffee, pre-dinner chats, and girl watching before the skirts got longer and the blouses thicker. Excellent for a panatela.
The cigar looks dainty, but, as you all know, looks deceive. The cigar is little in size, only. It is amazing that Cohiba holds to its standard in producing these cigars. Each is perfect, in every respect.
As you hold this cigar and give it the once over (it is not big enough to give it a twice over), you will be reminded that Cohiba uses only the finest leaf. The color is a medium to dark brown without any red hues. The cigars are not firm, and should be handled gently. When smelling them I suggest not breathing too deeply for fear that the cigar will be lost in your nostril! There is a feint woody smell too the cigar and, when tasting it before lit, it lets you know that you are in for a spicy ride.
Using a Blazer to light the cigar is dangerous; you might burn a goodly part of the cigar in doing so, and you definitely do not want to lose any part of the cigar to anything other than your enjoyable smoke. It lights quickly and burns gently for the first half. The ash adheres to the body like wet sand on your legs; both must be shaken to drop. The ash has a rather ugly shape, not being composed of any substantial body. Not to worry, just flick it off and continue your smoke.
There are three dimensions to this tiny representative of the mansion in which the Cohiba headquarters are found. There is no mistaking the woody aroma and taste of the cigar. This does not wane and gets a bit harsh just before you burn your lips to take the last drag. A nice, rich, spiciness stays on your lips for the duration of the smoke, only to get bitter for the second before your last puff.
The cigar last just long enough to have an 8-oz. Cup of coffee. I prefer a strong brew with this smoke. If you have the time, I would venture a guess that you will light another one, not for the scarce nicotine, but for the delight of continuing to be around a very pleasant aroma and a most inviting taste.
There remains, a good 20 minutes after laying the stub down, an almost sweet, spicy, reminder on your lips, a reminder not to forget to keep a few boxes in your humidor.
Other than for the expected harsh finale of this mighty midget (trite phrase, but accurate), this cigar is a "10."

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by Michael on Thursday 25 July, 2013

Maybe just a poor cigar - but tight as weekend pot holing - couldn't get a proper draw and so unsmokable. I have smoked many cohiba including the best and so I am not dismissing the brand - but quality control needs to be addressed I hope my next experience is better.

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by David on Tuesday 10 July, 2012

Found this Cohiba very strong and spicey! Very good for its price and brand. Couldnt relax with it and kept me on my toes, if you like a strong one then this is for you!Got a siglo 2 and a maduro 5 in the humidor so looking forward to them. If you want a strong short smoke, this is the one!

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by Phill on Tuesday 06 October, 2009

What a joy! These little cigars are sublime. Just had one with my morning cuppa, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Started off quite mild, but as it went along the flavours developed and by the end had some punch to it. Excellent burn and draw. They ain't cheap, but well worth it! Now do i buy a box?

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by Linley on Thursday 04 June, 2009

Nothing else comes close at this size - believe me I've tried most alternatives now between £1 and £8 a stick and the Cohiba just blows the rest away. A proper grown up cigar: complex, smooth draw, even burn, tasty, satisfying, top quality throughout. They're not cheap but, as ever, you get what you pay for. Just bit the bullet and bought my first box of 25 - I'd rather smoke one of these a day than 2 Monte Joyitas or 4 Cohiba Clubs. I've treated myself to about 15 Lanceros in the last 2 months and have to say overall i prefer these.